Changemaker Edition | Winter 2022

CHANGEMAKER EDITION

This jointly published issue of the York County Economic Alliance & Downtown Inc celebrates the talent and drive of individuals of color making things happen in our community. Almost 100 nominations were received, and those featured were chosen by a selection committee of community representatives. In addition to this publication, those featured were celebrated at a Changemaker event at the York Revolution’s PeoplesBank Park in December.

This year, our team at the York County Economic Alliance & Downtown Inc have celebrated transformational redevelopment projects, welcomed multiple new businesses in our Downtown and York County Trail Town communities, led the reopening of the historic Yorktowne Hotel, deployed over $320,000 in support to more than 200 businesses through our BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, and much more. This magazine, our Changemaker edition, is the reason why all of that matters.

You are the why behind our work.

Every day, talented, driven, and passionate individuals in our community lead their craft to transform York County. Whether through industry, the arts, education, healthcare, or a lifetime this publication celebrates YOU.

Our Changemaker issue celebrates the talent and drive of individuals of color making things happen in our community. Check out page 29 to see the complete list of Changemaker nominations that we received. We relied upon a steering committee of dedicated community partners to focus this feature upon six individuals, and one dynamic couple, and celebrate the change made through the work of these individuals, and so many more.

The new year is upon us. Now is the time to reflect and resolve intentions for the year ahead. We all have the ability to make positive change in our YoCo It is our hope that the spotlight upon these individuals inspires all of us to do our part to enhance our community. There is no good deed too small. When in doubt, shop local. Buying local is an easy way to impact our local economy for the better!

From our YCEA family, Board of Directors and full-time team, cheers to a bright and prosperous 2023!

VERMEULEN

JEFFREY

Chair, YCEA Board of Directors

KEVIN

SCHREIBER President and CEO, YCEA

Hey YoCo & Downtown York fans & followers, CHEERS TO 2022!

BELOW: The 2021 Changemakers featured at the December event.

Downtown Map

With its imaginative arts community, stunning architecture and restaurants that push the limits of flavor, DOWNTOWN YORK is the creative core of York County. It’s where the word revolutionary isn’t just a nod to the city’s past, but an indicator of its future. We invite you to visit today and soak in rich history, charming boutiques and a growing craft beer scene. You’ll find that Downtown York is HISTORICALLY EDGY, inside and out. This map will get you started!

Getting Here

DOWNTOWN YORK is easily accessible from all points north, south, east and west. Main arteries you want to look for? George Street and Queen Street from the north and south; Market Street and Philadelphia Street from the east and west.

FROM LANCASTER:

• Take Route 30 West to North George Street

• Turn left onto North George Street

• Follow straight

FROM HARRISBURG AND ALL POINTS NORTH:

• Take I-83 South to Route 30 West, Exit 22 (North George Street)

• Stay in the middle lane and turn right at the light onto North George Street

• Follow straight

Parking

Parking is plentiful in York City, with 350 on-street meters and 1,260 garage spaces in three garages conveniently located within walking distance to downtown attractions.

GARAGE LOCATIONS

• Market Street Garage (41 E. Market St.)

• Philadelphia Street Garage (25 W. Philadelphia St.)

• King Street Garage (15 W. King St.)

FROM GETTYSBURG:

• Take Route 30 East to North George Street

• Turn right onto North George Street

• Follow straight

FROM SOUTH/BALTIMORE:

• Take I-83 North to South George Street Exit

• Follow Business I-83/South George Street

• Central Market Parking Deck (W. Philadelphia & N. Beaver St.)

PARKING METERS

Metered, on-street parking is available. Enforcement hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm (Free on Sundays and holidays observed by the City of York), and Saturday from 9am - 3pm for parking meters located in the "Retail Zone." Meters are marked with the hours of operation and enforcement.

SMART METERS

Park with one easy swipe: SmartMeters in the City of York. Over 200 SmartMeters in the Retail Zone/Core of downtown York allow for payment with both credit cards and coins.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please direct all parking questions, concerns and comments to:

YORK CITY PARKING BUREAU: 717.815.0517

Parking just got a whole lot easier with the ParkMobile App!

No more scrambling to find loose change, returning to your car to feed the meter, or difficulty finding a spot. Download it to your mobile device before your next trip to Downtown York for an easy, contactless payment option.

Join the York County Economic Alliance and Downtown Inc in honoring:

CHAYANEE PROPST - The Educator Supporting the community’s future through caring for and educating the next generation

HENRY BOULDING II - The Lifetime Changemaker Utilizing knowledge and a unique viewpoint to help others through a i cu t sta e in their i es

BRITTANY DORM - The Visionary Helping others capture their true selves through creativity and the arts

DR. LAJUAN AND DR. JOSEPH MOUNTAINThe Builders Striving to provide healthcare to all families in order to lead better lives

NED DUKE JR. - The Entrepreneur Impacting the people of the community throu h more than ust hea th an tness

DARLENE LEONARDThe Convener Bringing a neighborhood together to lead a positive change for those in need

JOSH SANTIAGOThe Creative Being a resource of creative support to aid the lives of others in York and beyond

CHAYANEE PROPST THE

BY MARLENA SCHUGT I BLOOM PROGRAM MANAGER

When Chayanee Propst rst mo e here it wasn t uite what she was e pectin . hi e rowin up in Thai an in a sma i a e a on the yanmar or er she hear stories an rea oo s a out the massi e ust in cities in merica i e New or an o ywoo . owe er when she mo e to or on a ris arch mornin in she ha many uestions a out this stran e seemin y uiet town. “I think York County is number one for people’s kindness,” she shares with a smi e. ortunate y her ami y in Thai an ha insti e in her the a ue o e ucation an earnin so she e an to rea oo s an search on ine or answers into or s history. n her search she isco ere or as the irst apita o the nite tates an soon a ter oun ust how eauti u the county an ommonwea th o ennsy ania was. he saw this eauty rsthan three ays a ter the mo e where she e perience the enuine in ness o the community. he reca s how her nei h ors an hus an s cowor ers intro uce themse es an a e them a e come to merica as et as we as winter weather c othin an oots. “The people in York are really, really friendly,” hayanee says an e presses to this ay a eep ratitu e or their enerous actions.

he a so e presses a eep ratitu e to the York County Literacy Council an their c asses which he pe hayanee earn n ish at the a e o an to the United Way of York County or supportin her with a scho arship “Nobody is too old to learn. Everyone can learn,”

she shares. The scho arship he pe prope her aca emic career an support her passion o un erstan in in ant an chi e e opment. he now ho s a hi e e opment ssociate re entia an associate s an ache or s e ree in uman e e opment an ami y tu ies a master s e ree in teachin an curricu um rom Penn State an her ennsy ania irector s re entia . “It was not easy…coming from a third-world country, but I pushed myself little by little and I knew I could do it. I was not scared to fail or make a mistake. We all make mistakes. But from mistakes you learn,” she shares.

he saw rsthan how power u e ucation can e as the ey to rea in cyc es o po erty. he em o ie that e ie in her wor as an in ant teacher at the YWCA or years an since she was promote to ar y earnin enter an ami y n a ement irector a out a year a o she has oo e or more ways to in o e the chi rens ami ies in the community an on their aca emic ourney. “I believe in not only being a teacher preparing students, but I believe in (supporting) the family,” hayanee shares. he encoura es e trips or the chi ren to urther their e ucation with han s on e periences at p aces i e Curious Little Playhouse an Keystone Kidspace ecause “the more they learn and play, the more their brain works.”

Chayanee Propst

HENRY BOULDING II THE LIFETIME CHANGEMAKER

BY JJ SHEFFER I DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

For Henry A. Boulding II, a third-generation funeral director, his work is more than a job; he considers it a ministry. His faith and his commitment to lifelong learning and sticking to a plan have guided him throughout his career.

After earning degrees in biology and mortuary science, and work experience in a hospital setting as a medical technologist, Boulding decided to join the family business.

His father established Boulding Mortuary – the only Black-owned funeral home in the City of York – in 1970. His grandfather had a funeral home in Steelton in the 1930s and 40s. Entrepreneurship suits Boulding well; he enjoys running all aspects of his business, from accounting and payroll to customer service.

“There’s also an advantage to having the opportunity to be able to set your own hours. You can determine your own future by doing that.”

ou in nows that it s ene cia to the community to see peop e o co or runnin usinesses an reco ni e that most usinesses are run the same way. s an entrepreneur he can mo e what it s i e or someone who happens to e a ac owner o a usiness to un erstan how usinesses are run. e notes that re ar ess o in ustry most usinesses oi own to the same type o oun ations.

“Black-owned funeral homes, or businesses in general, should be everywhere,” he says. “It’s important that [people] have somebody they can relate to, who has had similar experiences. At the same time, it’s important to have somebody that gives people here in York a different viewpoint on how to do things.”

is wor operatin what is sti the on y ac owne unera home in or has een rewar in . “When you’re able to help people get through a stage or time in their life when they’re struggling, if you can move them from that place to a way of getting on with their life again, it goes a long way,” he says.

e s a ways ot an eye towar uture rowth which wi inc u e ha in someone e se wor in with him an ranchin out rom the unera in ustry to a acent ser ices an may e e pan in to ha e mu tip e ocations. “You’ve got to have a vision to know where you want to go, where you want to end up being.”

BRITT ANY DORM

THE VISIONARY

BY HANNAH BEARD I MARKETING & MERCHANT ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Brittany Dorm was born in York, Pennsylvania and grew up in New York an eor ia e ore n in her way ac home. he spent her chi hoo in ront o the camera mo e in ta in a ter her ather who a so mo e e . Throu h this ourney she ecame curious a out the intricacies o how ima es were capture ehin the ens. rittany was i en her rst camera when she was ei ht years o spar in her o e or capturin peop e.

he ser e in the United States Army before ra uatin cum au e rom University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a ache or o rts in hoto raphy. Throu h these un amenta years in her i e as a youn a u t rittany continue to eep her camera c ose so her passion cou ecome her i e ihoo .

rittany has positione her usiness Brittany Nicole Photography to reflect her natura an earne s i s rin in out her c ients persona ities throu h the ima es. n a ition to shootin or ran s specia e ents an ashion an i esty e pu ications rittany has a way with ami y sessions that sets her process apart rom the rest. a chi shows interest in what she s oin ehin the camera urin a session she en them a camera to shoot rea photos a on si e her. urin these sessions she has oun that the est photos are capture when the i s can e themse es without too much irection or restraint.

rittany is nown or accurate y capturin me anate s in tones that are true to the eye representin these tones correct y throu h photo raphy.

“I came back to York City because it’s where I am from, it’s where my family is. My ties are here. York has always been the one that sustains me and keeps me doing what I love.”

Brittany Dorm

Brittany Dorm

“I try to capture what I see the best way possible and as true as possible.”

She also shares her knowledge of photography with others through hands-on classes and workshops, previously held at the Parliament Arts Organization in the Royal Square District during her time as an Artist in Residency from 2021-2022.

Brittany is energized by York’s creative community, and thrives on collaboration. Her goal is to connect residents of York City with its vibrant arts and entertainment scene to show them that their creati e ho y can e sustaine an flourish with the support of local creatives. Brittany’s vision for the future of her career is to open an agency that connects creatives on both sides of the camera with real career opportunities, while providing them with training to harness their craft.

“York is full of so many talented people. I have been all over the world and most of the talent I have seen is here.”

DR. LAJUAN MOUNTAIN DR. JOSEPH MOUNTAIN

BUILDERS

&

“We plan to be here. We’re not done with the work. It’s important to us that we share the work internally and work with the next generation of dentistry.”

Joseph Mountain

“Community healthcare should be healthcare for all,” shares LaJuan. Her and her husband’s Joseph’s belief in this built a 17-year (and counting) career with Family First Health

Originally from New Orleans, Joseph always knew he wanted to wor in hea thcare ut it was a uan who eci e rst on dentistry. They attended dental school and residency to ether an e an see in emp oyment in the e connecting with Family First Health President and CEO Jenny Englerth. “I had lots of interviews, and LaJuan was pregnant. When I interviewed with Jenny she asked about where LaJuan would work,” shares Joseph. And for the last 17 years, they’ve worked side by side to build relationships in the community, and educate the community on the importance of comprehensive and preventative care.

In 2005, when LaJuan and Joseph started at Family First Health the ma ority o the patients came in to the o ce to obtain acute care only. The doctors immediately realized that they needed to develop connections, and relationships, to engage patients in comprehensive preventative dental care; not just acute care. “Patients come to us because they have a need, and trust us to take care of that need. I commend them for that – seeking healthcare is a necessity, but not always a comfortable necessity. Many of our patients don’t enjoy going to the dentist. They also don’t have many choices in providers due to their insurance type or ability to pay. Patients are extremely vulnerable when seeking care,” explains LaJuan. It’s important we respect them, we go above and beyond, so our patients don’t feel the need to seek care elsewhere.”

LaJuan and Joseph have built the practice, and the team, based on the culture of being patient centered, and provider driven. Patients present with their needs and the entists ure out how to est meet their patients where they are supporting the patient in maintaining or achieving dental health.

This missional shift led to the development of the Mobile School Dentist Program to provide dental care to students as part of their school day. Conducting over 4,000 visits per year and touching six school districts, plus all York County Head Start programs, York Learning Center, and local preschool programs. The program prevents parents having to ta e o wor an chec their i s out o schoo . “It’s a true partnership with our school districts,” shares Joseph. “The school nurses and principals not only work to help the kids, they understand what families are experiencing at home. They see us a supplement to all they provide their students in school. The students are able to receive the recommended twice a year dental visits during their school day.”

19 • WINTER 2022 • Dr. LaJuan Mountain & Dr. Joseph Mountain

In addition, there are four brick and mortar sites – York City, Hanover, Gettysburg, and Columbia. All combined, Joseph and LaJuan’s team of healthcare providers generate approximately 25,000 visits per year.

“Lots of longevity in our team,” shares Joseph. “They’re very passionate, and have been here many years. It was important to have the opportunity to practice in a way that aligns with our providers’ ethics. The patient’s needs direct and guide the care that is delivered. That’s our culture.”

As they look to the future, and consider the nee s o the community they n con ence an optimism in their team of dentist.

NED DUKE JR.

THE ENTREPRENEUR

BY DAVID GONZALEZ I DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC INITIATIVES & BRENDAN SALYARDS I MANAGER OF ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

Although relatively new to York County, New Jersey native Ned Duke Jr. has ecome a ture in New ree om. e has a passion or tness ecause he sees it as being something for everyone and is customizable to each person. While visiting a friend in or in he was o ere a position at a nationa chain gym. Compared to what he saw in New Jersey, or o ere a more a or a e ua ity cost o i in and a community more willing to support one another – especially entrepreneurs. To him, it was an easy decision to move to York County. “I appreciate the togetherness of the community,” he shares. “People want to see you succeed.”

Deciding to go into business for himself was based o the imite fle i i ity Ne saw at i o yms. The building, which would become the eventual home of Freedom Fitness & Training was built in ha sat acant or teen years an nee e a lot of work. Ned and his team renovated the building to begin taking on clients and to this day continues to make improvements to the entire facility. Located at 52 E. High Street in New Freedom, the gym is u ser ice o erin ersona Trainin itness Classes, and Boot Camps, as well as a full weight room car io e uipment an o in e uipment.

Ned built his network of clients by striving to be an instructor that o ers fle i i ity meetin the challenges people bring to him – something he is prideful of at Freedom Fitness & Training. This has inc u e o erin iscounts or eterans an irst Responders, working with income-restricted clients, and providing options for parents to bring their children if childcare is an obstacle. In addition to personal training, Freedom Fitness & Training o ers a wide array of classes and boot camps to meet aryin tness oa s. “I’m trying to do the work, give back and create a business that meets our client’s needs,” he shares.

In addition to the impact through his business, Ned and his team actively host charitable and community activities. Last year, they held a toy drive for the Dream Center Community Closet and recently started raising money for Hope’s Haven, a ministry that serves children who have been in the foster care system. Additionally, the business is sponsoring and helping to organize the 2nd Annual Day of Hope in New Freedom and will do a toy drive for the Children’s Home of York. The Grand Opening of Freedom Fitness and Training in May of 2022 was a shining example of Ned’s character. The event was billed more as a celebration of the people who have supported the business and an opportunity to bring the community together.

When asked what motives him to get up at 2 AM every day to open his business, Ned says, “The i pa t on the a o nt o peop e that affe t dire t or indire t . hat s grati ing nowing that I can help somebody.”

“I appreciate the togetherness of the community. People want to see you succeed.”

Ned Duke Jr.

DARLENE LEONARD

THE CONVENER

BY BRITNEY WALKER I COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Deeply rooted in faith, family, and compassion for her fellow person, Darlene Leonard has been a shining example of how to lead with love in the York community.

Darlene has a long history of what she refers to as “purpose work,” currently serving as Director of Community Services with the Northeast Neighborhood Association (NENA). It’s a role that comes uite natura y or her flowin irect y out o her life’s passion.

e an a wa s do etter so we have to nd an avenue to do better. Every connection is an opportunity to do something better,” she shares.

With about 20 volunteers Darlene runs Chrystal’s Place, a food and clothing pantry named for the legacy of her late sister who served as NENA’s Director for 20 years. The organization’s current space, at 216 Chestnut Street in the City of York, was formerly a church gifted by Asbury Church. In addition to free clothing and food, Chrystal’s Place also provides small appliances and household supplies to families in need throughout the Northeast Neighborhood as well as the County of York

Leonard

“We can always do better, so we have to find an aven e to do better. Every connection is an opport nit to do something better.”

Darlene Leonard

Averaging 2,500 non-food items a month, and countless food provisions for families, Darlene and her team are making their mark. To help connect neighbors with each other and to community groups, NENA hosts numerous events throughout the year such as an Easter Egg Hunt, an annual block party for National Night Out, as well as a Breast Cancer Awareness Night. There is a so a pro ram o ere in partnership with Goode K-8 nancia iteracy c asses an a host o other family centered activities and resources. NENA also serves as the managing entity for a community garden, located behind Chrystal’s Place, allowing residents to grow fresh produce.

Originally organized by Asbury Church, NENA’s earliest mission was to establish a church presence, increase participation, enhance educational opportunities for children, and to provide food in the community. Darlene and her team continue this legacy daily with a smile.

When asked what she wants her legacy to be, the answer is simple. “When I walk past you, I want you to feel the love of God.” Being born into a family of love, Darlene’s strong foundation allows the love that she has to o erflow into our community an ma e it a etter p ace or a who cross her path.

To learn more and see how you can support Chrystal’s Place and the Northeast Neighborhood Association, visit nenayork.org

JOSH SANTIAGO THE CREATIVE

BY KATIE MAHONEY I VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

“Doing this, being a creative, saved my life. And I’m hoping it can save other people’s lives.”

Josh Santiago

Santiago

Josh Santiago, CEO of C&P Media, grew up in York City, graduated William Penn High School and York College of Pennsylvania, and continues to love York City. family, the next generation. This is bigger than me,” shares. “Someone from the neighborhood can do other things. We don’t have to be the stereotype.”

Josh started C&P Media in 2011 with his cousin Anthony Collier, with Josh creating videos and Anthony audio. used to watch music videos, and then started creating the . was a wa s interested in the e d starting with my mentor Cal Weary in high school, but I hate performing in front of people,” he explains with a laugh. In the past decade, Josh and Anthony have transformed C&P into a full production company, engaging their network.

Josh wrote and directed “Anything 4 U,” with the main character overcoming addiction to get his life back. This was produced by close friend, the late Ryan Rossum

“Ryan and I always helped each other. We learned from each other,” shares Josh. This connection and sense of community is what Josh hopes to carry on through his work. “I want to be a resource to people who need it. My inbox is always open. They don’t know the resources people have,” he shares about the next generation. helps them keep out of trouble, I know it did for me. I was so focused on this I couldn’t do anything else.”

And his actions speak to that goal. Josh works closely with Creative York to engage elementary students in video work. Understanding the trends of online content creation, he has developed curriculum around monetizing reels and YouTube, to help youth turn their passion into a paid profession.

In addition, Josh has a dream to bring an International Film Festival to York. r wor has een shown in estiva s a over the wor d. eop e in the have seen or it and ar s i e or o ege ar har ar ai rai . want peop e a over the wor d to see what ve seen who e i e ” he adds. Currently, Josh is part of Filmopolis – a group that meets quarterly to review each other’s work.

sti hasing the drea s the est part is en o ing the o rne ” Josh shares. ove ever thing that s going on even the ai res. o gotta ai . he o rne s ea ti .”

To explore C&P Media Company, visit: @C&P Media Company @cpmediacompany

THE CHANGEMAKER NOMINEES

Thank you to the community for their submissions of individuals deserving of being named a 2022 Changemaker! We received nearly 100 submissions, with several of the individuals below receiving multiple nominations.

Our Steering Committee of Community Partners had a di t tas in deter ining a ist o na ists however we thank them for their support with this process.

Congratulations to all of the nominees listed below for their endless dedication and strides to help make things happen for YoCo and beyond.

*The selected 2022 Changemakers

EVENTS

For details, visit DowntownYorkPA.com

Friday, January 6

For details, visit YCEAPA.org

Tuesday, January 17

WBCO Luncheon

Heritage Hills Resort, 11:30 am

Wednesday, January 25 Economics Club

Wyndham Garden York, 8 am

Thursday, February 2 Member Orientation

YCEA Board Room, 9 am

Tuesday, February 14

WBCO Luncheon

Heritage Hills Resort, 11:30 am

Wednesday, February 22 Economics Club Wyndham Garden York, 8 am

Tuesday, March 14

WBCO Luncheon Heritage Hills Resort, 11:30 am

For details, visit enrootyork.org

Tuesday, January 17

York Story Slam: A Time Like No Other Archetype Pizza, 7 pm

Thursday, February 16

PechaKucha Night York TBD, 6 pm

Tuesday, February 21

York Story Slam: Where There’s a Will Archetype Pizza, 7 pm

Tuesday, March 21

York Story Slam: Hope Springs Eternal Archetype Pizza, 7 pm

First Friday presented by WellSpan Health Downtown York, 5-9 pm

Wednesday, January 18

BLOOM Business Series Workshop Zoom, 8:30 am

Friday, February 3

First Friday presented by WellSpan Health Downtown York, 5-9 pm

Wednesday, February 15

BLOOM Business Series Workshop Zoom, 8:30 am

Friday, March 3

First Friday presented by WellSpan Health Downtown York, 5-9 pm

Wednesday, March 15 BLOOM Business Series Workshop

Presented by WellSpan Health, join members of the YoCo community in celebrating individuals who have gone above and beyond in business, community, and philanthropic endeavors.

144 Roosevelt Avenue York, PA 17401